Parveen Bala has commended Nailaga Village in Ba for its community spirit and inclusive leadership.

The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations made the remarks when he opened the Nailaga Day fundraising event last weekend.

He said the essence of the festival was consistent with the FijiFirst Government vision to promote development and an inclusive society.

This was his first official engagement after being appointed minister following the recent General Election.

He said the festival was a celebration of the humanity in us through community work.

He said it laid the foundation to national unity.

He said the FijiFirst Government  had in the past four years, and seven years prior to that under the Bainimarama Government, moved Fiji away from the politics of hate, fear, and racism.

He was sad to see that the progress achieved to build an inclusive and harmonious Fiji was challenged during the recent election.

“It is not words alone but actions that lead to nation building. It calls for leadership that is selfless. Leadership that leads a nation based on building a good, secure and safe legacy for future generations, not just for the next election,” Mr Bala said

Village head man Seremaia Tuwai thanked Mr Bala for accepting their request to be chief guest.

“We thank the Government of the day for remaining true to not leaving any Fijian behind. These funds we raise mean we do not want to place a burden on the Government. We have a list of self-help projects in the pipeline to undertake,” said Mr Tuwai.

He said more than $6000 was raised during the two-day event.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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